Specialists in Matale district requested to take early retirement

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The medical fraternity has raised serious concerns over a letter issued by the Regional Director of Health Services in Matale, instructing specialists over the age of 60 to retire by December 31.   

The letter, which the Daily Mirror has exclusively obtained, directs heads of relevant institutions in the district to advise medical professionals above 60 to vacate their positions. This directive has caused uncertainty among medical specialists in the area.   

Furthermore, the letter stipulates that the heads of institutions will be held accountable for any misconduct committed by professionals over the age of 60 if they continue to work after January 2025.  

However, commenting on the issue, a senior health official told Daily Mirror that the letter in question is expected to be revoked today (December 6).  

The uncertainty stems from the failure of the Ministry of Public Administration to issue a circular stipulating the Court of Appeal ruling that extended the retirement age for specialist doctors in state hospitals to 63 years.  

This bureaucratic delay has put over 200 specialists at risk of premature retirement by the end of this year.